Traffic legislation and safety in Europe concerning the moped - Swov

Figure 3.1. The influence of the introduction of the European driver licensing
for the 125 cc motorcycle in 1996 on the number of light powered
motorcycles in Germany (Schulz, 2000).
Young people from 16 years old are permitted to ride a 125 cc-motorcycle
after obtaining the driving certificate. Moreover, drivers with a car licence can
also drive the 125 cc-motorcycle if they have obtained their licence before
1st April 1980.
In Figure 3.2 the development of the number of motorcycles is given from
1994, with a distinction by age of the owner. Although both figures do not
give the same data (Figure 3.1 gives the number of light powered
motorcycles and Figure 3.2 all types of motorcycles), both figures indicate
the upward trend for the 125 cc motorcycle. An important part of the
explanation is that the growth has its origins in the European change in
driver licenses for the 125 cc motorcycle in 1996 (Assing, 2002).
Figure 3.2. The development of the number of motorcycles between 1994
and 2000 with a distinction by age of the owner (1994=100); (source: Assing,
2002).
The immense growth of the number of motorcycles in the age group of 35
years and older is shown in Figure 3.2 (an increase of 171%). The age
group 16 – 17 year olds gives an increase of 23% compared with 1994. Only
24 SWOV publication R-2004-10